U.S. aerospace giant Boeing will plead guilty to a criminal fraud charge related to the two crashes of its 737 Max jetliners, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Sunday.
Prosecutors accused the company of deceiving regulators who approved the airplane and its pilot-training requirements. Last week, they gave Boeing the choice of either entering a guilty plea and paying a fine as part of its sentence or facing a trial on the felony charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States.
Under the deal, Boeing has agreed to pay a fine of 243.6 million U.S. dollars to resolve the DOJ's investigation into two fatal 737 MAX crashes that killed 346 people. The decision follows the government's determination that Boeing violated an agreement shielding it from prosecution for over three years.
As part of the deal, Boeing also agreed to spend at least 455 million U.S. dollars over the next three years to boost safety and compliance programs.
Two 737 MAX crashed in Indonesia and Ethiopia in 2018 and 2019, resulting in 346 fatalities. In January 2021, the DOJ filed criminal charges against Boeing, reaching a deferred prosecution agreement lasting three years. Boeing agreed to pay over 2.5 billion U.S. dollars in fines and compensation, committed to full cooperation, and pledged to implement compliance and improvement plans as required.
On May 14 this year, the DOJ determined that Boeing had violated the deferred prosecution agreement reached in 2021. On June 30, the DOJ presented a plea agreement to Boeing, requiring Boeing to accept it by July 7, or else the trial process would be initiated.
Boeing to plead guilty to avoid criminal trial over 737 Max crashes
Tunisian on Friday voiced mixed expectations as they prepare to head to the polls on Sunday to elect a new president from three candidates, including the incumbent Kais Saied.
Among the major issues facing voters is the state of the economy, but many said that they have already lost faith in the system and will not participate.
On July 25, 2021, Saied dismissed the government and suspended parliament.
Two years later, new members of parliament and of other political institutions were elected. Many voters believe that such political change was necessary to ensure much-needed social and economic reforms after the 2024 presidential elections.
"The Tunisian president has helped the Tunisian citizens in restoring their confidence by leading a war against monopolies and others which ruined our country's society. President Kais Saied supports the social role of the state by pushing for better projects," said Saber Jelassi, Tunisian member of parliament.
"We have been through a very tough period during the past few years, God willing we'll not experience it again, during that period our youths have suffered unemployment," said Sarra Jaffeli, a resident in the Tunis metropolitan area.
Many others, however, said that they feel disillusioned by all politicians and will not vote for any candidate on Sunday.
"Young people are only thinking about leaving the country. The young people do not care about presidential elections, they don't care who comes and who goes, they're leaving anyway because they don't see any future here," said Mehdi Ben Rached, a student.
Political analysts said the North African country has remained stable and safe, despite the various political, security and economic challenges.
"Tunisians today are looking for a concrete transformation in the country following deep political changes, aiming to apply it into an economic and social achievement. I believe this is the challenge of the next phase. It looks like the Tunisian people are going towards the continuity, but it's conditioned with improved livelihood, growth rates, economic indicators and acceleration in the pace of projects achievements," said Khalil Rekik, a political analyst.
The polling centers for the Tunisian presidential elections opened on Sunday in the 24 provinces of Tunisia, Tunisia's Independent High Authority for Elections said.
Voting started at 08:00 local time (0700 GMT) and will close at 18:00 local time (1700 GMT) at over 5,000 voting centers and more than 9,600 polling stations across the country.
More than 9.7 million people are eligible to elect a new president between three candidates: incumbent President Kais Saied, who is running for a second five-year term; Zouhair Maghzaoui, secretary-general of the People's Movement party; and Ayachi Zammel, secretary-general of the Azimoun Movement, who remains in detention for alleged election-related irregularities.
The final results of the presidential election are expected to be announced by Nov 9 at the latest.
Tunisia holds presidential elections every five years.
Voters voice hopes, doubts as Tunisia prepares for presidential elections
